Did you get the email listing the hordes of national retailers who were shutting down stores right and left? All in all, some rather daunting news to hear at the first flush of holiday shopping. It’s also a reminder that even though you might be scaling back your gift buying this year, it’s so important to support independent shops and boutiques. Because honey, if the big guys are feeling the pinch, you better believe the little guys are too. So buy locally this Black Friday, November 28, and help ‘em meet their overhead. OK?
Alerting shoppers to Ess Elle Style Studio’s huge going out of business sale pains me even though everything in the store is 30 percent off. Shop their Black Friday Sale and in addition to refreshments and desserts, you’ll save 40 percent. As the store is still receiving new shipments from designers like BCBGeneration, Tulle, James Jeans and BB Dakota, there are real deals to be had. That said, I’m sad to see a great boutique bite the dust, but thrilled that Sarah Skinner, one of its owners, is talking about opening a store of her own next year. So are loyal customers who are already putting their names on the mailing list. 1919 E. Kenilworth Pl. 414-271-3775,
Head to the Historic Third Ward’s “Skip the mall, Shop the Ward Shopping Spree” and enter with every participating retailer to up your chances of wining one of 38 gift certificates worth a total of $2000. Other deals include: Buy six rolls of any of Broadway Paper’s great gift wrap and get the 7th roll or a spool of ribbon at 50 percent off. Buy a box of holiday photo cards or invites and save 50 percent off the cost of in-store printing. Spend $50, or more, at either JuJu Gifts or The Home Market and get a free bottle of wine from Vino 100. Hunt down holiday attire and fashionable gifts and get 25- 30 percent savings during the storewide sales on November 28 – 30 at Three Graces, Stephanie Horne, Hers, and Flaire. Check out cool consignment pieces and vintage furs at Lela and save 20 percent off the cost of your entire purchase when you drop off a new unwrapped children’s toy to donate to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission now through Christmas. Spend $100 at Freckle Face and get a $20 gift certificate towards a future store purchase. Find plenty of gift items marked 30 percent off at Picture Perfect’s RED DOT SALE. At shoo everything in the store is 20 percent off, including sale stuff. Blush steps up with a sip of pink champagne and a complimentary make-up consultation and application featuring the ‘edgy yet elegant’ Black Tie collection from Laura Mercier. Free gift with every $100purchase. Historicthirdward.org.
Faye’s annual Feast of Fashion, Fun, Bargains & Giveaways
(November 28 – 30) serves up style along with $25 gift certificates (good toward purchases of $100 or more), fashion and beauty giveaways, champagne and treats, and gorgeous gift-wrapping. Bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to the Hunger Task Force to shave 10 percent off your total day’s receipt. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., 262- 241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262) 432-0070, fayes123.com.
Everyone shopping Miss Groove will save 30 percent on clothing and handbags and 20 percent on PJ’s and lounge wear on Black Friday. However those who get the store’s email announcements will receive an additional 10 percent off. See why (especially in this economic pinch) I encourage you to sign up for what ever incentives your favorite stores offer? 1224 & 1225 E Brady St., 414- 298-1694, missgroove.com.
This Friday, November 28, Fred is set to shake 40 percent off purchases made between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., 30 percent off stuff bought between 10 a.m. and noon and 20 percent off everything sold between noon and 10 p.m. Add to that breakfast treats, free mimosas and specials throughout the day, including credits for gift card purchases, giveaways and picking up the tab for one lucky customer, and you’ve got a real reason to shop. 524 N. Water St., 414-273-3733, fredboutique.com.
Swing by Juxt Home – Baby November 28 or 30 for hip, fun and sophisticated gifts, with plenty priced under $10. Celebrate the seasonal sale with complimentary Krispy Kreme donuts and hot apple cider. 1504 Underwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, 414-257-1710, juxthomebaby.com.
Don’t miss the 8th annual ART VS CRAFT event being held November 29 (10 a.m. till 7 p.m., $3 admission) at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center. Featuring unique handmade arts and crafts from around the country, the juried show is loaded with lots of creative stuff for men, women and kids, much of it celebrating the growing trend to revamp, reuse and recycle. 790 n. Van Buren St., artvscraft.com.
Day after day, Vieux et Nouveau’s annual TWELVE VIP SALES OF CHRISTMAS (running through Dec. 3) offers up new fashion categories for sale, which stay on sale even as new categories are added. Depending on when you get there, you’ll find savings on just about everything in the store. Spend $100 and receive a 20 percent off coupon good toward January purchases. 1688 N. Franklin Pl., 414-287-904, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
Tailor made for gift giving Underwood Gallery’s ‘Bling Fling’ (December 2) offers up a selection of artful gifts including colorfully printed urban bags and purses, affordable bling, sophisticated pearls, dreamy fragrances and indulgent soaps and lotions. Shoppers will also enjoy free gift-wrapping, special Pomegranate French Fizzes and chocolate truffles. 1430 Underwood Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-476-1255, underwoodgallery.com.
On December 3, celebrity make up artist Aldo Celeste (clients include Madonna, Christy Turlington and Jennifer Aniston) shares his expertise from 2- 7 p.m. at the Spargo Salon and Day Spa during 20-minute personal makeup sessions featuring glôminerals. The cost is $20, which can be applied towards the purchase of any glôminerals products made during the event. RSVP 262-695-7400. 1001 Cecelia Dr., Pewaukee, spargosalon.com.
